Charlottesville Alert

The acac Downtown parking deck will be closed this weekend (Saturday 9/14 – Sunday 9/15) and next weekend (Saturday 9/21 – Sunday 9/22). Please visit our website for valet parking details and more information. … Phase II of the acac Downtown parking deck maintenance begins Monday, September 9. This phase has updated valet hours and a new traffic pattern. Please check our facebook page for the latest updates. … The warm water pool heater at acac Albemarle Square is broken and parts have been ordered. The heater should be fixed by next Thursday, September 19. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Stephanie

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Meet Stephanie

What made you decide to try the p.r.e.p. program?

I decided to try p.r.e.p. after speaking with my physical therapist about the program. She looked into it and decided that it would be a great program for me. I was seeing her due to some pain from bone spurs caused by a spinal fusion surgery I had a little over two years ago. The program caught my attention because I was also dealing with a blood clot in my brain and I knew my doctor would be more apt to let me begin an exercise program with some medical supervision in place. My PT contacted acac about the program and we went from there.

Once you started the program, what were your first steps?

Ryan, a trainer, and Hilary, the nurse, were my first contacts with the program. Once I obtained medical clearance, Hilary started me with a simple warm up and took me through the Healthquest circuit. It felt good to be leaving my house to go do something to take care of myself. After a few sessions, I really felt my confidence building back up, which is something I lost with all of my health issues.

What did you like most about p.r.e.p.?

I like that there were scheduled times to be there for sessions. I feel like that made me more accountable for showing up even when I wasn’t feeling like it. I also liked having Hilary and Ryan by my side (along with some of the other fitness team) because they showed genuine concern for my health and well-being. It’s amazing how far a little bit of encouragement can carry you.

What activities did you enjoy in the club?

Hilary was great at making suggestions of classes she felt would be good for me. Especially at first. I enjoyed going to Balance class, and then Yoga Essentials, and now Body Flow. I liked the Water in Motion class as well. Squash was pretty fun, but I’m so beginner that it would stink to play against me!!!

What have you achieved through the program and as you have continued to exercise?

I achieved the confidence boost I needed to help get me back to a healthy track. I made it through p.r.e.p., then healthy rewards, and now I’m at the end of my second set of training with Ryan. I have done more than I ever thought possible—especially considering my health issues. I was able to reduce my anxiety medication and by default, dropped my cholesterol back down into the healthy range with no medication. I have more energy and I feel better about myself than I have since all my health issues began. I have definitely benefitted from using exercise as a stress reducer as well.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining the p.r.e.p. program?

There is no other program out there like it! This program helps you become a better you with lots of care and compassion in the mix. It’s great to have the support of the p.r.e.p. team in your pocket while you are working to make a better, healthier, more active you. I really do feel that everyone I came in contact with during my p.r.e.p. time was there to help me reach and discover my potential, and I am super thankful and grateful for them.